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Affinity Groups

CNJG affinity and interest groups provide a valued forum through which New Jersey grantmakers can connect, exchange information, and learn from experts in a wide range of fields and sectors. Members with a focus on a particular geography or issue meet on a regular basis and are self-organized. For additional information or to discuss forming a new group, contact Craig Weinrich at (609) 341-2022, ext. 4215.

The Culture Funders Affinity Group includes private and public grantmakers working in the arts and humanities across New Jersey. It aims to maximize the leadership potential and grantmaking abilities of those interested in developing a strong and thriving arts community in New Jersey.

The Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Affinity Group’s mission is to nurture, develop and support professionals age 42 years or younger in the philanthropic sector across all departments/roles within foundations. Programming for the Emerging Leaders group is geared towards early and mid-career professionals and will serve as: a professional learning community for emerging professionals working in diverse positions; an opportunity for professional development and individual capacity-building that will lead to institutional change within the member organizations; and as a critical partner in the creation of a pipeline into senior/executive leadership in NJ philanthropy.

The Environmental Grantmakers Affinity Group formed in 2007 to provide a network and sounding board for environmental grantmakers who share an interest in: (1) insuring a healthy environment for all residents of the Garden State; (2) preserving, restoring and regenerating natural resources, including air, water, land, energy resources, as well as native flora and fauna; and (3) encouraging solution-based responses to resource challenges, wiser use of resources, and sustainable practices at individual, public agency small business and corporate levels.

The Finance & Investment Affinity Group brings together grantmakers of all types and sizes to discuss financial market trends and to exchange strategies to help ensure the greatest endowment growth. At each meeting, the latest market performance reports and commentaries are also discussed.

The Funders for NJ Education Affinity Group connects those making grants in support of education and provides interested members with insights into current initiatives, research findings, and best practices. Past topics of discussion have included analyses of school funding, innovative educational programming, measuring teacher effectiveness and youth development programs and have included roundtable discussions of emerging trends and key issues.

The Funders for Strong and Thriving Communities Affinity Group is an intrastate, inter-disciplinary network of public and private investors interested in enhancing the quality-of-life of the residents that live within New Jersey communities, through place-based investment or philanthropy. The group aims to draw upon and leverage the knowledge of public and private sector experts in the field of community development; including affordable housing, economic development, job creation, neighborhood building, and services to children and families.

The Health & Aging Funders Affinity Group presents an opportunity for grantmakers who have a shared interest in issues affecting Health and New Jersey's senior citizens to exchange grantmaking strategies, funding priorities, best practices, and other valuable information. Past topics of discussion have included elder-friendly neighborhoods; doctor and senior patient communications; and economic insecurity among the elderly.

The New Jersey Corporate Philanthropy Network Affinity Group convenes any Corporate Giving/Corporate Foundation professional whose giving territory includes New Jersey. Discussing issues unique to corporations like employee engagement, employee giving plans, presenting the business case for CSR, and more, the Affinity Group is a place to share best practices, stay abreast of recent and emerging trends, and find opportunities for collaboration and partnership among your corporate peers.

The Newark Funders Affinity Group began in 2010 as a result of the convening work being done by CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison. The group meets quarterly hearing from elected and community leaders in the city, stakeholders and others to better understand investments and needs, all with the goal of leveraging grantmaking for greater impact.

The Newark Funders Subcommittee on Education provides a forum for New Jersey grantmakers to work in tandem with the School Superintendent, Mayor’s Office, and other philanthropies concerned with Newark Public Schools. These regional and national funders are working together to find successful solutions that will insure the success of Newark students.

The Ocean & Monmouth County Funders Interest Group convenes periodically to discuss a variety of issues that impact the lives of those residing in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Poverty, hunger, housing, and other human services have been the focus of past discussions.

The Paterson Funders Affinity Group helps facilitate awareness of work by nonprofits and funders in Paterson, foster collaboration, and improve the lives of Paterson residents. Past meetings have focused on information regarding funder projects in the city, including some new grants made and lessons learned on ongoing projects in the areas of education, health and nutrition, arts and culture, and civics.

The Trenton Area & Mercer County Funders Affinity Group’s goal is to explore the most pressing needs and issues in the Trenton and Mercer County region and to uncover ways to leverage resources and develop solutions to this community’s greatest concerns. Past meetings have included roundtable discussions on the unique needs of the Trenton area and guest speakers that highlighted the dynamic interrelationship between the City of Trenton and the State of New Jersey.